Walsall goalkeeper signs new two-and-a-half-year deal

Walsall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has signed a new two-and-a-half year contract with the club, confirmed by BBC Sport.

The 23-year-old keeper’s new deal keeps him at the Banks’s Stadium until the summer of 2020.

Roberts has been with The Saddlers since the age of 14, coming through the Academy system and breaking into the first-team this season.

The young stopper has developed through the years under the guidance of former goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler and has gone on to make 15 appearances in total for Walsall this term, including 10 League One starts – and Roberts is grateful to the club’s staff and manager Jon Whitney for their faith in him.

Roberts told Express and Star that he is pleased with how the season is going on a personal level – and is delighted at feeling like part of the first-team squad.

“On a personal level I think this season is going really well,” Roberts added.

“I’m getting games and I’m really enjoying it – that’s the main thing.”

“I’m gaining confidence with every game I play, knowing I’m a part of the squad.”

“The players and staff have been magnificent – now I’ve stepped into the team and I feel I’ve done well.”

Roberts spent the 2016-17 campaign season on loan at National League side Chester, having previously had spells with Rugby Town, Gresley, Southport and Rainworth Miners Welfare.

The 23-year-old has become established as his home town club’s first-choice goalkeeper in recent weeks. In which, boss Jon Whitney believes Walsall’s defence is growing in confidence after a goalless draw at Gillingham.

The boss is delighted with his defence as he said “I thought we showed a lot of resilience at Gillingham. I felt we dealt with their threat really well, particularly in the second half.”

“As a manager getting cleans sheets is what I love. It builds confidence in the back unit.”